Local Administration in the Multi-ethnic Empire
Under Qing rule, China was a multi-ethnic state dominated by the Manchus. In order to maintain stability, the political system at the central government level reflected the state's multi-ethnic composition; meanwhile, at the local government level, regimes of governance also mirrored regional characteristics.
The Chengde Summer Resort stood at the juncture of Manchu, Mongol, and Chinese territories, so the local administrative system was an amalgamation of the governance structures of the three groups: the Manchu Eight Banners were stationed there to ensure the security of the Resort and provide a livelihood for the Manchus, the Mongolian Banners system was a way for the Qing court to woo the Mongol elite and meet their socio-economic needs, while the prefectural and county divisions helped to govern the vast number of Han settlers. Later, with the creation in Jehol of the post of Commander-in-Chief (dutong) during the Jiaqing reign, the above three distinct systems were brought under a single military governance system.
Eight Banner Officers and Soldiers Stationed in Jehol
The eight banner system, which combines military and government management together, may be the management system most representative of the Manchus. When the Summer Resort in Jehol was built and that the city became the second administrative center of the country, the eight banner system deployed in the capital city was deployed also around the Summer Resort for security and governance purposes.
Banner Officers and Soldiers Stationed in Jehol and Other Areas
- From fascicle 84 of Qinding Jehol Zhi (Imperially Endorsed Local Gazetteer of Jehol)
- Compiled by He Shen, et al., on imperial order
- Imprint by the Imperial Printing Office at Wuyingdian Hall, 46th year of the Qianlong reign (1781), Qing dynasty
For security and governance purposes, the eight banner system deployed in the capital city was deployed also around the Summer Resort. The banners contained primarily the Manchu eight banners supported by four Mongolian right wing banners.
Imperial Hunting Ground Regulations
- From fascicle 46 of Qinding Jehol Zhi (Imperially Endorsed Local Gazetteer of Jehol)
- Compiled by He Shen, et al., on imperial order
- Imprint by the Imperial Printing Office at Wuyingdian Hall, 46th year of the Qianlong reign (1781), Qing dynasty
